Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB), symbol: ฿. Capital city: Bangkok. Region: Southeast Asia. Primary language: Thai.
Government & practicalities: Head of state: King Vajiralongkorn / Rama X (King). Government type: Constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy. International calling code: +66. Drives on the Left. Power outlets: Type A/B/C, 220V 50Hz. Internet domain: .th.
What $100 USD typically buys in Thailand
🍜 70 portions of pad thai from street vendors
🛺 44 tuk-tuk rides in Bangkok
🥭 117 portions of mango sticky rice
🍹 44 cocktails at a beach bar
💆 12 one-hour Thai massages
Daily travel budgets in Thailand
Budget travelers: ฿600–1,200/day (guesthouses, street food, local songthaew). Mid-range travelers: ฿2,000–4,000/day (mid hotels, restaurants, occasional taxis). Luxury travelers: ฿8,000+/day (luxury resorts, fine dining, private transport).
Typical local prices in THB
Street pad thai: ฿40–60
Mango sticky rice: ฿30–50
Thai massage (1hr): ฿200–500
Tuk-tuk short ride: ฿60–150
Temple entry: Free–฿500
Budget guesthouse/night: ฿300–600
Beach resort/night: ฿1,500–6,000
Cultural tips for visitors to Thailand
🙏 Wai (pressing palms together and bowing) is the Thai greeting — return it when offered.
👑 The Thai royal family is deeply revered — any disrespect is illegal and deeply offensive.
🦶 Never point your feet at people or sacred objects — feet are considered the lowest, spiritually.
😊 Thailand is the 'Land of Smiles' — stay calm, never lose your temper in public.
👗 Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples — sarongs are available to borrow.
Tipping customs in Thailand
Tipping is not traditional in Thailand but is appreciated at tourist-facing establishments. At restaurants: 20–50 baht or round up the bill. Massage therapists: 50–100 baht. Hotel porters: 20–50 baht. Tour guides: 100–200 baht.
Thailand is generally safe for tourists. Common risks: road accidents (wear helmets on scooters), sunburn, and gem/tour scams at major attractions. Emergency: 191 (police) or 1669 (medical).
Visa information for Thailand
Citizens of over 57 countries (including the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, Japan) can enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days (extended to 60 days for many nationalities from 2024). For longer stays, a Tourist Visa (TR) is available from Thai embassies (60 days, extendable 30 more days). Always verify
Disclaimer: Prices are approximate and vary by city, season, and travel style. Exchange rates and costs are for informational purposes only. Always verify visa requirements and safety conditions with official sources before travel. Information current as of 2026.